Planting seeds of hope throughout our world through sharing photography and thoughts on teaching, cooking, and life transitions.

Tag Archives: Hope

While being almost 36 weeks pregnant, nurturing my two garden pots of plants has become even more special than usual. Possibly because of the cuteness of the baby arugula or the baby basil leaves; however, it is mostly because of the joy of the baby boy who is kicking me from the inside every hour or two!

Lilac Girls: A Novel pulls you in with its first lines of, “If I’d known I was about to meet the man who’d shatter me like bone china on terra-cotta, I would have slept in.” Author Martha Hall Kelly hooked me immediately, and she gave me three different angles on the two decades that span before, during, and after World War II that I had not read about before. The book felt authentic, and at the end, Mrs. Kelly describes her journey of researching the people she based her characters upon in this historical fiction book.

This book alternates between the stories of three women, Lilac Girls: A Novel, whose lives overlap during these twenty years. From the picture on the cover, of women walking arm in arm, I assumed that these three women were close friends; however, the opposite is true for one of them. Continue reading →

I love taking photos of my work space as I’m cooking. This is how my workstation looked as I was cooking Thai Chicken Soup (see my recipes category for the recipe!)

Recently I’ve been reading an inspiring book, and here’s a quote from it that is very reassuring:

I am loving what @christybwright says: “Fear isn’t a sign that you’re doing something wrong. It is a sign that you are doing something new. It doesn’t mean you’re not capable, qualified, or ready. It just means you’re doing something that matters to you. And fear doesn’t mean you are doing something bad. It means you’re doing something bold.” -Christy Wright on page 14 of #businessboutique the book.

Having a mother that is alive is such a gift. 🎁 My Mom has struggled with depression and over the last month has come out of a recent dark season–thanks to God, my aunt, medicine, and counseling. I’m thankful I could hang out with her yesterday and celebrate motherhood with her!

Our stations of the cross went well with my 7th graders last night! My kids could use your prayers because then there was a drive by shooting (it’s in Chicago–south side) a block from the school right after we were done. I’m so thankful we can have hope because of Jesus and his resurrection!

Like this:

I love a new hope spring blossoms bring when you see them unfurling after a long winter snow. Living in a climate with four seasons is enjoyable because I love the variety and the change that happens in the weather and in nature. Sometimes winter grays and browns is depressing, but springs whites and pinks renews hope.

Like this:

Hope seems to be the theme for 2017–I’ve heard two sermons already, it the encouraging words spoken have been timely. Hope is having an expectation of good things ahead. Having hope is a choice that I am choosing for 2017. Join me!